I am dismayed that the NSW Leader of the Nationals, John Barilaro, had instructed his MPs not to support the government because he wasn't happy with the legislation which will help to protect koalas in NSW.
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The Koala State Environmental Planning Policy expands the number of tree species which trigger the planning policy. It also includes maps of land which are considered koala habitat. If a person's land is affected, they must either seek an exemption by hiring experts to show it isn't koala habitat, or they must show the development (before it's approved) will not adversely affect koala habitat.
The Planning Policy is not likely to affect farmers generally but those who want to develop and clear rural land around regional towns are likely to be affected.
We shouldn't forget that many koalas (and other creatures) perished in the recent devastating bushfires. We must protect them. Who will be happy when this iconic animal is extinct in the wild?
I have written to Myall Lakes MP Stephen Bromhead about this and asked him not to support his leader's action. If readers feel the same way, I hope that they will write to their MP too.
